The family of the late Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, has denied the allegations made by filmmaker Zik Okafor, about the cause of the movie star’s death.
KanyiDaily had reported how Saint Obi died at the age of 57 after a prolonged illness. According to reports, the actor passed away on Sunday, May 6, at the home of one of his siblings.
Following his death, Zik Okafor narrated how Saint Obi’s marriage to his ex-wife, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, led to his tragic death and exit from the movie industry.
Okafor claimed that Obi had conflicts with his in-laws, who viewed him as a fortune seeker due to Lynda’s high-ranking position in a telecommunications company, MTN.
According to the filmmaker, Obi’s wife and her siblings always saw him as a “gold digger” and they often attack him physically before he reported the case to the police.
He also claimed that Linda forced Obi to lose contact with his Nollywood buddies as her siblings harassed him, and this eventually led to the end of the marriage.
Saint Obi’s Family Speaks
In a statement On Thursday, Obi’s family strongly refuted Zik Zulu’s claims, saying the filmmaker never consulted any member of the family before making the claims.
The family also dismissed the allegations as baseless, malicious, and lacking empathy, asserting that they do not align with their understanding of Lynda’s character.
The statement reads, “RE: DEMISE OF SAINT OBI (MR. OBINNA NWAFOR)
“Our attention has been drawn to the publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner. This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with.
“The Nwafor family also views the said article by Mr. Okafor as sad and most unfortunate. It was neither written in consultation with any member of the family nor authored with our consent or authority. We totally disassociate ourselves from it.
“The views and allegations contained therein are entirely the opinion of the writer. They are false, malicious and insensitive to the wife, children and entire family he left behind.
“This is a mourning period for the family, and while we appreciate the condolences of friends, fans, and well-wishers, we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.
“The funeral rites will be communicated to the public in due course. May the soul of our dearly beloved brother, son, father and husband, rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Signed,
Ugoeze Edith Chinyere Obichuku
Eldest Sister (Texas, U.S.A)
Mrs. Freda Nwachukwu
Elder Sister (Jos, Nigeria)
For: The Nwafor Family of Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi, Ogwa, Mbatoli L.G.A, Imo State”
KanyiDaily recalls that another movie producer, Zeb Ejiro said that Saint Obi’s failed marriage had a significant impact on his mental state and death as he was deeply committed to his family.
